Weekend: Chicago Film Festivals, Cult Classics, Horror Plays

30th Polish Film Festival - (Nov. 3rd-18th) See site for the variety of films on the schedule. Dark thriller/drama WEREWOLF (Wilkołak) screens next Friday, Nov. 16th at 7:30pm at AMC Rosemont 18. It follows the story of a group of boys who survived a concentration camp, only to take refuge in an abandoned orphanage that quickly becomes overrun by feral dogs. They must deal with both past and present horrors while trying to save what's left of their humanity.

BORDER - (Oct. 26th-Nov. 15th) From the writer of Let the Right One In comes a unique Swedish fantasy-thriller about a border guard who has an unusually strong sense of smell where she can pretty much sniff out the guilt in people making attempts at smuggling. A man comes along and turns her world upside-down. A dark fairy tale of its own kind. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613.

HAROLD AND MAUDE - (Nov. 10th & 15th) Highly recommended cult classic! Morbid humor and the beauty of life... Some view the plot as being about nothing in particular, yet, it's also about absolutely everything. Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60601.

HEATHERS [35mm] - (Nov. 9th & 10th at midnight) Rare print of this teen cult film that offered a wild, unforgettable representation of school cliques during that time period. Music Box Theatre, 3733 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613.

METROPOLIS - (Nov. 9th-12th at 11pm) Japanese anime version of Fritz Lang's classic and loosely based on Osamu Tezuka's manga. Part of their “Nerdy November” film series. Future screenings include The Dark Crystal and Krull! Logan Theatre, 2646 N. Milwaukee, Chicago, IL 60647.

FRANKENSTEIN - (Sept. 7th-Nov. 11th) Victoria endures a tragic death in her family and struggles to deal with the loss. She retreats into the darkest recesses of her psyche in search of meaning and brings a ghastly creation to life. World premiere production based on the story by Mary W. Shelley. Box Office 773-761-4477. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago, IL.

Manual Cinema's FRANKENSTEIN runs through December 2nd at Court Theatre.

THE WALLS OF HARROW HOUSE: An Immersive Puppet Haunted House - (Oct. 11th-Nov. 10th) Tour the Harrow House without a guide. Become entangled in the terrifying tale that surrounds you. Deal with cosmic horrors and revel at the puppetry and sonic design. Ages 14+. Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, Chicago, IL 60642.

Troll Hunt! - (through the summer of 2019) Search across 1700 acres of The Morton Arboretum for troll sculptures ranging from 15ft. to 30ft. tall! Tips: Check the site for info, maps, and locations so you do not get lost and please do not go without wearing some form of strong bug spray. Extra tips HERE. Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL 60532. Troll Cheat Sheet!

Svengoolie Coffin & More - One of the cooler things to do on a tight budget 6 days out of the week! The highlight for horror fans, of course, is the Svengoolie exhibit with his original coffin and the show's set, along with pieces from Shock Theatre. There are plenty of other cool things to see related to Chicago television and film, like a large display of items from Bozo's Circus, retro TV sets, journalism history, advertising artifacts, and so much more. The SNL exhibit is also stationed in the building. Museum of Broadcast Communications, 360 N. State, Chicago, IL 60654.

TOURS, ESCAPE ROOM:

Chicago Ghost Tours App - A free app for enjoying audio and photo tours of Chicago's Haunted Archer Avenue is available, courtesy of Edward Shanahan, a fellow ChicagoNOW blogger (check out his blog, Chicago Paranormal & Spiritual). He is also a psychic and paranormal host who has worked on making his app a great addition to fans of Haunted Archer. The app includes 16 locations and 6 cemeteries. Free download! Shanahan also has a free online magazine.

Trapped in a Room with a Zombie - Room Escape adventures where guests must figure out clues and puzzles to escape a room they share with a snarling, chained-up zombie. Ages 14+ or must have parent. Fine Arts Building, 408 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL 60605.

Chicago Hauntings Bus Tours - One of the longest-running ghost tours in Chicago, each 2.5 hour tour is led by founder, paranormal investigator, and author Ursula Bielski and her partner, author David Cowan. Routine stops include locations of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, Death Alley, gangland sites, murder sites, and more. Departs at the Congress Hotel. For schedules, all tours, and background information, please see ChicagoHauntings.com.